Carton closing apparatus



July 29, 1958 1.. NELSON 2,844,930

CARTON CLOSING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 11, 1957 9 Sheets-Sheet l A F/a.

INVENTOR '[Ver L A/P/san ATTORNEY ATTORNEY 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 29,1958 1. 1.. NELSON CARTON CLOSING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 11, 957

M11 In an .ll'll l L g imaaw Q y m 6m wk w v F 1 wmw QR QQ ma m=w LA N a I J w y Rx RN Mk wwwma mun m g Q EN 3 July 29, 1958 l. L. NELSON 2,844,930

CARTON CLOSING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 11, 1957 9 Sheets-Sheet s I Y INVENTOR /0Z [yer L. Ne/son ATTORNEY July 29, 1958 l. L. NELSON CARTON CLOSING APPARATUS 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 11, 1957 INVENTOR Iver L. lVe/san I ATTORNEY July 29, 1958 l. L. NELSON CARTON CLOSING APPARATUS 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 11, 1957 :Illlll 5 76 /0 INVENTOR Iver L. /Ve/son ATTORNEY July 29, 1958 l. L NELSON I 2,844,930

CARTON CLOSING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 11, 1957 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENT OR [ver 1.. /Ve/s0/7 7- 2 9 BY mmg ATTORNEY July 29,1958

l. L. NELSON CARTON CLOSING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 11, 1957 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 'III'II'm 'II'IIII/ INVENTOR w [yer L. IVe/sdn "ATTORNEY y 1958 l. NELSON 2,844,930

CARTON CLOSING APPARATUS Filed. Feb. 11, 1957 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTOR Iver L. Nelson BY ww w ATTORNEY States .z,s.44;9s0

CARTONCLOSING APPARATUS lvenLnNelson, Minneapolis, Minn., assignor to Waldorf Paper ,Products Company, Ramsey County, Minn., :a

corporation ,of- Minnesota Application February '11, 1957, Serial No.=63'9',562

.14.Claims. .(Cl..53--376) This'inventionrelates to an improvementin apparatus for-closing'cartons and deals particularly with a means :of locking 1 a carton in closed position.

In'the packaging of film used for wrapping products,

which the cover panel is hinged. In the dispensing of the *filmythe film is drawn between the tuck flap and the outerwall'of the carton and is folded over the front wall so that it may be torn oif along a transverse .tear line.

The front wall of the carton is in many instances pro- "vided with'a-metal strip having a serrated edge over which the film "may be bent to sever the sheet.

Unless some means is provided for maintaining the cover 'fiap or panel in closed position, .duringtransporta- 'tion andsaleof'the product, there is a likelihood that the weight of'the roll would press upon the cover panel with sufficient force 'to open the cartons accidentally in the eventthey were held in an inverted position.l .For this reason it is extremely desirable-to providea lock .orsome means of holding the cover panel closed .until thecarton is manually openedby the customer.

In order to accomplish this result, .a locking-tab has been cut from the tuck flap and is foldedover-the front wall of the carton to lock .into a slot-in the front wall.

lIn the, past it has beencommon practice to close these locks manually, an operation which requires considerable;time.and'labor. The locking tab is preferably-connected by a 'fold .line to .a portion of the cover .panel .of the carton which isremovable from the remainder of the .cover panel to .provide an opening inthe carton top. 'This opening permits access to .the sheetcontained with- .in the carton after thelock has been removed to simplify the withdrawal of the film contained.

.An .object of the present invention resides in the provision of an apparatus for automatically locking the locking fflaps of a carton of this type to the front wall of the carton and includes .the operation of closing the carton, tucking the tuckflap inwardly of the front wall of the carton, folding .the locking tab over the outer surface of the front wall, and inserting portions of the locking .flap through a suitable slot or opening in the front wall of the .carton to complete the closing operation.

,A ,further feature of .the presentinvention resides in the rovision-of an apparatus which acts automatically to swing closingflaps on the ends of the carton downainto .a common plane, to close the top panel of the carton, to tuck thetucking 'flap into place, -:and to lock the locking flap to .the front wall in that sequence.

.A further feature of .thepresent invention resides .in the provision. ofan apparatus for bending orfiexing .the locking flap intermediate its sides so that the ends of this flap may be inserted through spaced slots or through "ice . 2 a suitableopening in thefront wall of'the carton. When inserted, the locking flap flattens out sothat'the ends of the locking flap projectlaterally beyond the side edges of the slot or opening into which the sideportions of thelocking'flap extend.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of an apparatus of the type describedwhich acts to produce its intended functions in sequence during the movement of the carton. Once the carton is "moved into place upon asuitable conveyor, the carton continues to move at a predeterminedrate .of speed until it is discharged from the discharge .end -.of theapparatus thus eliminating .the necessity .of stopping .and starting the apparatus during movement of the carton from one set position to another, thereby providing continuous rather than .interrriittentmotion in the .closing'operation. ..A further .feature of the present :invention resides in the provision of a means movable with each carton and in timed relation thereto .to engage .against the interior surface of the lockingflap whileotherfingersalso operating .in .timed unison withithe carton .bend the ends of the locking flap inwardly to insert these lock-ends .into .a suitableslonoraperture in thetcarton. The means engaging the inner surface of the locking flap is withdrawn .after the ends of the lock are properlyinserted .in their locking slots and .the .tlocking'tflapis forced into substantially :flat relation .with the "intermediate portion thereof lying outwardly .of the :front wall of the -carton and with the-ends of .the locking flap extending throug'h :slots on openings ,in the front carton wall.

"liheseand other objects iandmovel featurestof the zpres- .ent invention will (be more clearly and ifully sset fforth .in .the following specification and :claims'.

.In the drawings forming a part of 'IhCI'SPBCifiCfifiOIIZ Figure '1 is aside elevationalviewrnf "1116 :cartonaclosing and locking apparatus, showing itheigeneral arrange r.ment of ;.parts ithereon.

3Eigure,.-2 is a topzplan wiewsof the apparatus illustrated Jul-Figure :1.

Figure}: is a .top planyiew of a detailed portion ofthe apparatus (in enlarged aform.

.Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view through a portion of the apparatus, the position of the section be- .ing indicated byzthe -line 44 ofFigure 2 0i the drawing.

Figure :5 is a perspective view of a detailed portion tot-the apparatus showing the manner inwhich the slots in athe :forward wall of the carton are openedpri'or to the closing :of the package.

Figure i6 is a sectional 'viewthrough a detailed portion 'o'fthe apparatus shown in Figure 5, the position ofthe :SGCtiOIl being indicated by the line "6-6 "of Figure 5.

.tFigure 7 is'a'cross-sectional view through "a portion of theiappara'tus, the position of the section being indicated by the line '=7-'-7 of Figure '2.

LFigure 8 is a perspective view of another detailed portion of the apparatus.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectionalview through a-portion of :the apparatus shown in Figure 8.

"Figure '-10 is a cross-sectional'view through a portion of the'apparatus, the position of the section being indicatedby the line 1010 of Figure '2.

Figure .11 'is a perspective view of another detailed portion of the apparatus.

Figure '12 is a sectional view through a portion of the apparatus illustrated in Figure .11.

lEigure -13 .is atopplan view of .the apparatusshown in Figure 11.

.Eigure .-1-4-is a'sectionalview through zavp'ortion o'f the apparatus, -.the;.positionof the section being indicated by the line 14-14 of Figure 2.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of'another portion of the apparatus.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view through a portion of the apparatus, the position of the section being indicated by the line 16-16 of Figure 2.

Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 16 showing the carton in a slightly later stage of the closing operation.

Figure 18 is a view similar to Figures 16 and 17, showing the carton in still a later position of the closing operation.

Figure 19 is a sectional view showing a slightly later stage of the closing operation from Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view through a portion of the apparatus showing a later stage of the closing operation from that shown in Figure 19.

Figures 21 and 22 show successively later stages in the carton closing operation.

Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the manner in which locking tab is bent during the locking operation.

Figure 24 is a sectional view through the apparatus showing the final stage of the closing operation.

Figure 25 is a diagrammatic view of the blank showing the construction of the carton being closed.

Figure 26 is a perspective view of the unfilled carton in condition to receive its contents.

Figure 27 shows the carton in completely locked condition.

Figure 28 shows diagrammatically the wiring of the apparatus.

While the closing and locking apparatus is capable of closing cartons of various types, the particular form of construction illustrated is particularly designed to close the carton A which is illustrated in Figures 25, 26, and 27 of the drawings. This carton A includes a bottom panel which is foldably connected along parallel fold lines 11 and 12 to a rear wall 13, and a front wall 14 respectively. Obviously, the designations for the walls may vary depending upon whether or not the closure is to be on the front or top of the carton. In the particular arrangement illustrated, the carton is indicated as having the panel 10 lowermost.

The rear wall panel 13 is hingedly connected along a fold line 15 to the top panel 16. This top panel 16 is foldably connected along a fold line 17 to a tuck flap 19. This tuckfiap 19 is designed to extend down into overlapping relation with the front wall panel 14 and the major portion of the tuck flap 19 is designed to extend inwardly of the front wall panel.

End walls 20 and 21 are foldably connected to opposite ends of the bottom panel 10 along parallel fold lines 22 and 23. Flaps 24 and 25 are foldably connected to the ends of the rear wall panel 13 along extensions of the fold lines 22 and 23 respectively. Similar corner flaps 26 and 27 are foldably connected to the ends of the front wall panel 14 along continuations of the fold lines 22 and 23. In the setup form of the carton, the flaps 24 and 26 are adhered to the inner surface of the end wall panel 20 to hold the various panels in generally right angular relation. In a similar manner the flaps 25 and 27 are foldably connected and are adhered to the inner surface of the end wall panel 21 to hold the various panels in right angular relation.

Flanges 29 and 30 are foldably connected to the end walls 20 and 21 along parallel fold lines 31 and 32. When the carton is in the open form illustrated in Figure 26 of the drawings, these flanges 29 and 30 project upwardly in the plane of the end panels. However, in the closed condition of the carton, they are folded down to underlie the top panel 16 and to assist in supporting the same.

A locking flap or tab 33 is cut from the tuck flap 19 and in the particular arrangement illustrated is intermediate the ends of the tuck flap. The tab or flap 33 is defined by cut lines 34 and 35 which extend in converging relation from the fold line 17 toward the free edge 36 of the tuck flap 33. The ends of thecut lines 34 and 35 are connected by arcuate cut lines 37 and 39 to a transverse out line 40 which defines the end of the flap 33. This arrangement provides laterally projecting locking shoulders 41 and 42 on opposite sides of the flap which project beyond the remainder of the flap. A fold line 43 extends throughout the length of the flap 33 intermediate the sides thereof, this fold line being for a purpose which will be later described in detail. A weakened line of separation 44 acts to connect the ends of the cut lines 34 and 35 which adjoin the fold line 17 so as to define a removable portion 45 in the top panel 16.

When the carton is opened, the locking tab 33 is removed, together with the portion 45 of the top panel 16 which adjoins the tab 33. This forms an opening in the top panel 16 which permits the customer to insert a finger or thumb partially into the package to assist in withdrawing the film therefrom.

The front panel 14 is provided with a generally U- shaped cut line 46 which include parallel cuts 47 and 49 which are spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the distance between the closest ends of the cut lines 34 and 35. This permits the projections or shoulders 41 and 42 to be inserted through the front panel 14 so that these shoulders lie inwardly of the front wall and prevent the tuck flap from moving outwardly to open the carton. The central fold line 43 permits the lock to be bent intermediate its side edges so that these shoulders 41 and 42 may be withdrawn. If desired. a perforated line 50 may connect the ends of the U-shaped cut line 46 so that the part between the parallel cut lines 47 and 49 may be entirely removed if desired after the carton has been opened.

An elongated metal cutting strip 51 is attached in any suitable manner to the upper edge of the front panel 14 to project slightly above the same. This cutting edge 51 may have a serrated or tooth edge to facilitate the tearing of the film as it is dispensed. Bars 52 may be punched from the body of the strip 51 and inserted into or through portions of the front carton wall 14 so as to securely attach the strip 51 in place.

The apparatus which is indicated in general by the letter B is designed to close the cartons A and to lock the locking tabs or flap 33 into the U-shaped cut 46 in the front carton wall. In general, the cartons enter the apparatus on a conveyor belt which carries them against a suitable stop. The cartons are then pushed laterally in timed relation onto a parallel conveyor, this arrangement serving to index the cartons and to send them through the machine in properly timed relation.

As a next stage of the operation, the flap 53 which is defined by the U-shaped cut line 46 is prebroken inwardly so as to provide an opening in the front wall through which the side edges of the locking flap 33 may extend. The flaps 29 and 30 are next folded down into a common plane to overlie the carton contents. Most of the views of the drawing omit the carton contents for the purpose of simplifying the drawing. However, Figure 26 of the drawings shows an elongated roll C of foil, waxed paper, or similar sheet material which is to be dispensed from the carton a portion at a time.

After the flaps 29 and 39 have been folded down into a common plane, the tuck fiap 19 is folded out of the plane of the cover panel 16 so that the body of this tuck flap may be inserted inwardly of the carton front wall 14. This is done in such a manner as to not fold the lock flap 33 and so that this locking flap 33 remains substantially in the plane of the cover panel during this portion of the operation. During the next series of operating steps, the tuck flap is guided down into the inside of the carton until the cover panel is in closed position and the locking flap 33 is projecting forwardly therefrom. Thus, it will be seen, that the locking flap overlies the upper edge of the front panel 14 when the cover panel 16 is closed.

endless conveyor .belt .67. v v .-have been/filled, .travelalong this endless conveyor belt .into substantially the,plane.0f the front-panel 14 of the carton. 'When in this .position, the ears or shoulders 41 and 42 projectlaterally beyond .the sides of the .U- shaped cut 46.so.as tohold the cover panel from. opening.

Having .now described ingeneral .the operation of the apparatus, .the construction which makes this operation possible will be described. .The apparatus includes an elongated .frame which is indicated in general by the .numeral 54, the frame being-supported .by-legs 5.8 ,and

"58 at .opposite ends thereof. .As -is ;perhaps.hest..illustrated inTFigure 4 .of .the .drawings, the .frame 54 includes .an inverted channel 5.5, the .base '56 of which forms the topofthe apparatus, and the vertical flanges 57 and 59.0f which form a means of attachment with the sides .60 and ..6l.respective1y of the frame. During the major portion of the length of themachine, the flanges 57 and 59 may form .the Iframesidesexcept where shaftmount- .ings and 'the likerequire agreaterdepth of frame side.

As is indicatedin .Figures 1 .and Id the drawings, a

,pair of .parallel shafts 62and .63 are mounted .in suitable .bearings such.as.64 extending transversely .of-.the frame .54. .Pulleys such as .65 and 66 are-mounteduponihe shaft 62 and 63.respectivelyandthese pulleyssupport an The cartons A, .a'fterthey .67 -.until the.forward carton of the seriesengagesa suit- ..ab1e.stop.69. This stop 69.-.also',incorporates.a switch 70 .which is for a purpose [later described.

The frame 54 also supports a pair of iparallel shafts 71 and 72 whichsupports a pair ,ofsprockets 73 and 74. .An endless conveyor chain 7 5.is.mounted uponthe sprockets .73 and 74,.the.chain 75.:also extending around .an idlesprocket 76 onaa transverse. shaft .77 .and .an .ad-

justablevsprocket 79 on a vertically adjustable shaft 80. Byadjusting the ,position of -thesprocket 79, .the tension on the conveyor chain .75 .may beregulated.

-As will .be noted in the drawings,.the conveyor .67 overlaps the conveyor chain 75 so that when the fore- .most cartonAisagainst thefixedstop 69, it is also alongside-the conveyor chain .75. This --arrangement is .best

.illustrated in Figure 3of the drawings. ITheconveymr chain 75 .is provided with spaced upwardly extending lugs 81 (see Figure 4) which engage the rear end of .a carton overlying-the conveyor chain 75..and.move the canon in timed relation-withthe chain. 7

.Asis indicatedin Figures. 3 and 4,=alaterally extending support 82 is secured-to the.frame 54 to extend. lateral- ,ly therefrom. The support 82. supports apair oftransversely aligned bearings 83 and.84. .These bearings sup- .port a plunger shaft 85 for reciprocable movement in the bearings. Suitable means is provided, not illustrated .inthe drawings, for holding the :plunger shaft 85 from rotation in the bearings 83 and 84.

The plunger shaft 85 is. provided on its. extremity with a flange 86 which supports a .pusher v.plate 87. The pusher plate 87 is designed to engageagainst .the forward wall 14 of a carton Aengaging against the stop 69 to urge this carton A laterally .over the conveyor chain 75. In preferred form, the belt 67 acts as a .slip .belt .and operatescontinuously .to urge cartons against the stop '69. Thus, as-soonas one carton is urgedlaterally in;the position-over the conveyor chain75, the next .carton automatically movesagainstthe stop 169.

'The [pusher plate 87 is provided with an angularly 'bent Ifiange 89 at one end thereof. lThisLflange I89ris designed to engage the end of the second carton A while .the .first .carton .in. line .upon the conveyor 67 "is being urgedinto position .over the conveyorchain 75.

.As soon as thepusher plate-s7 returns to its-inoperative ,position shown in Figures 3 and 4 -.of the drawings, .-the carton A which has been .restrained.from.movementon the belt .67 by the .flange .89 .is permitted to progress against thefixedstop 7.9. J

In order to operate the pusher or hearing plate {87, a sleeve '90 is secured .upon the;plunger :85, this .sleeve ,having rack teeth .91.on=its-under surface. .,-A;gear siegment 92 having peripheral teeth 93 designed to mesh with the teeth 91 is pivqtly supportednpon a longitudinally extending shaft 94 supported by bearings such as 295 on .the frame side .plate 60. The gear segment .9-2,-.is provided with a lever arm .96 whichqextends beyond -.the

pivot shaft 94.and.is-.pivotally-.connected.at .97 to a link 99. The link 99 is..in turn pivotlytconnectedat 110.0:to asolenoid armature 10l of.-a solenoid ,102. The arma- .ture 102 is normally .held in oneaextreme position "by aspring 103. Whenenergized, the solenoid-102.1acts to .move .the armature .101 to 'the left as viewed in Figure .4 pivoting the gear segment ,92-in a clockwise direction and urging the plunger to the right a distance sufficient to force the foremost :cartonA from the .position on-the conveyor .belt .67 to a positionrover the conveyorchain 75. Suitable means such as the guide rods .104 assist in .guiding the movement .of the carton .A as.it.trav.els along the apparatus frame-with .the.con-

veyor chain 75.

.Thefirststep in the closing operationof the -.cart.on

:Ais .indicated in ;Figures .5, .6 and 7 of the drawings. .Apost 105 ismounted-npon:thetqp 561013 the channel .55 .to extendupwardly therefrom. ,Asxislindicateldt-in Figure 6 ofthedrawings, this post 105-supports .amotargy disc 106 by means of :a bearing 107 encirehng aLbQIt 109 extending -.axial ly .into the post 105. :This :disc 106 isdesigned to assist .llh openingthe female; portion-10f lock .aswill be later described. At this; p0int ofitstravel,

the carton A istraveling with theconveyor 61121111375 and is guided between the. guide, bars.'10.4 overlying the rear'wall 13 of the-carton and. a,parallel ,guide bar 110-exteudiIl-g longitudinally .of the machine frame and resting against the forward wall 14 .of the canton. The .space between the guide-bars.-10'4-and 110,.is sufiicienttto 'perrnitz some outward flexing ofthe front wall,:1'4. The roller :106

is positioned to bear against the from wall 14 -.as .:it

moves along the conveyor and .may actually flex :the .front wall v14 inwardlyto someextent.

Abracket 111 is mounted-upon'the frame'mernber 55 outwardly :0f the post 105. The-bracket 111supports a bearing -.-112 which rotatively'supports .a transverse shaft 113. ,-A-.'hub .114 is mounted upon the shaft 113iand the @hub.=.114:.is

. provided with a generally, radiallyextending-arm .115

which terminates .in-a curved .tfol'ding horn :116. [Hie curved .horn 116engages against the inner.surfaee\,of the-front wall 14 at the upper edge thereof to'fiexihe .front .wall outwardly. ,This horn .116.jr.otates pin timed relation with the conveyor chain 75-so that as theiroller 106 exerts an inward .forceagainstthe flap .-53,in the carton frontwall 14, the horn 116 exerts-angoutward flexing force against the front wall ofthe carton just above the flap 53. -As aresult, the flap 53,is bentiinwardlyas indicated in Figure 5 of thedrawings soaas .to open the lock receiving slots .and to simplify theainsertion of the lock. While the contents of the cartom-A are not shown in place in this figure, the dimensions :of the roll contained-and .ofthe carton-are such-as to per-mit the flap.53'to beforced inwardly out of theplanetof horn not being shown.

a vertical shaft 120. The shaft 120 is provided with a bevel gear 121 and its upper extremity which is in mesh with a bevel gear 122 mounted upon the previously described shaft 113. The vertical shaft 120 is driven through suitable meshing bevel gears 123 and 124, one of which is mounted on the lower end of the shaft 120 and the other of which is mounted upon a transverse shaft 125 supported by bearings such as 126 on the sides 57 and 59 of the frame 55. Thus rotation of the shaft 125 in a manner which will be later described, causes rotation of the folding horn 116 in timed relation to the conveyor chain 75.

After the flap 53 has been prebroken out of its normal plane, the carton A travels past a mechanism for folding down the flaps 29 and 30 of the carton into a common plane. This mechanism is best illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and of the drawings. A blade 127 is shown in these figures supported just above the level of the end walls such as of the carton A, the blade 127 being preferably provided with an upturned end 129. The

blade 127 is supported by suitable brackets which are not shown in detail in the drawings. As the carton A travels with the chain 75, the flap 29 at one end of the carton is engaged by the upturned end 129 of the blade 127 and this flap 29 is folded down into a horizontal position in the manner best illustrated in Figure 8.

A vertical bearing 130 is mounted upon the base 56 of the channel frame member 55 to rotatively support a vertical shaft 131. A hub 132 is mounted upon the shaft 131 and a generally radially extending blade 133 is supported upon the hub 132. The shaft 131 rotates in a counter clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 8 and as the rear end of the carton A moves towards a position opposite the shaft 131, the blade 133 engages the flap and folds this flap down into horizontal position as also indicated in Figure 8.

The shaft 131 is operated by cooperable bevel gears 134 and 135, one of which is mounted upon the shaft 131 and the other of which is mounted upon a transverse shaft 136. The shaft 136 is mounted on suitable bearings 137 on side plates 139 and 140 secured to opposite side edges 57 and 59 of the frame member 55. The blade 127 is provided with an angularly inclined flange 141 designed to engage against the inner or under surface of the cover panel 16 of the carton during a portion of the closing operation. A folding horn 142 is mounted in a suitable manner upon the frame, the details of the support of this As is indicated in Figure 8 of the drawings, this folding horn 142 engages the outer or upper surface of the top panel 16 and folds this panel down against the flange 141 of the blade 127.

Means are next provided on the apparatus for folding the tuck flap 19 of the carton downwardly relative to the cover panel 16 to which it is hinged while at the same time permitting the lock 33 to remain in the plane of the cover panel. This structure is best illustrated in Figures 11 through 14 of the drawings. In Figure 11 of the drawings the guide rods 104 have been omitted in order to more clearly show the construction of the device.

As is indicated in these figures, a bracket 143 is supported upon the base 56 of the frame member and this bracket supports a bearing member 144 having an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine. A shaft 145 is supported by the bearing member 144 and a sprocket 146 is mounted upon this shaft 145. The sprocket 146 is connected by a chain 147 to a cooperable sprocket 149 mounted upon a longitudinally extending shaft 150 supported by bearings 151 attached to the under surface of the frame member 56. With reference again to Figure 10 of the drawings, it will be noted that the transverse shaft 136 is provided with a beveled gear 152 which is in mesh with a cooperable bevel gear 153 on the shaft 150. Thus, the sprocket 149 and accordingly the shaft 145 is rotated in timed relation to the shaft 136.

A hub 154 is mounted upon the shaft and supports a radially extending arm 155 which in turn supports an arcuate folding horn 156. The second hub 157 is also mounted upon the shaft 145 and supports a pair of radially extending arms 159 and 160. The arms 159 and 160 in turn support arcuate folding horns 161 and 162 respectively. As will be noted in Figures 11, 12 and 14, as the carton A reaches a position opposite the bracket 143, the folding horns 156 and 161 engage the tuck flap 19 on opposite sides of the lock 33 and fold this tuck flap downwardly. This action takes place while the carton cover panel 16 is confined between the blade flange 141 and the folding horn 142 so that the cover panel 16 will not fold with the flap 19. As the lock 33 is completely disconnected from the tuck flap 19, this lock 33 remains in the plane of the cover panel 16.

When the carton A is moved by the lugs 81 on the chain 75 into a position opposite the bracket 143, the curved folding horns 156 and 161 engage the tuck flap 19 on opposite sides of the lock 33 and fold this flap downwardly, leaviing the lock 33 in the plane of the cover panel 16, the folding horns engaging the tuck flaps simultaneously. While the carton A is in movement during this time, the folding horns remain in contact with the flap a time which is insuflicient to move the carton so that the folding horn 161 engages the lock. Subse quent rotation of the hub 157 causes the folding horn 162 to engage the rear half of the flap and to further guide this rear portion of the tuck flap downwardly.

A folding shoe 163 engages the tuck flap 19 to hold this flap in a downwardly inclined position as the cover panel 16 travels beyond the flange 141. The folding shoe 163 extends partially over the carton just inwardly of the front wall 14 thereof. The folding horn 142 is bent downwardly so as to urge the tuck flap into horizontal position, and during this action the tuck flap 19 is guided down inwardly of the carton front wall 14 by the shoe 163. This operation is indicated in Figures 16 through 19 of the drawings.

Figure 16 shows the position of the tuck flap 19 just before it starts its entry into the interior of the carton. Figure 17 shows a subsequent position in which the tuck flap has entered the interior of the carton and is in partially overlapped relation to the front wall 14. Figure 18 shows the cover flap as it approaches its horizontal position and as it starts its movement below the upwardly inclined forward end 164 of a top guide bar 165.

As indicated in Figure 15 of the drawings, a pair of spaced brackets 166 and 167 extend upwardly from the frame portion 56 of the channel 55 and these brackets support parallel transversely extending horizontal shafts 169 and 170. These shafts support rollers 171 and 172 respectively which are rotatively supported on reduced diameter end portions such as 173 of these shafts. The rollers 173 are held in place by any suitable means such as the nuts 174. Alternatively, the ends of the shafts 169 and may be provided with an internally threaded socket at their extremity and the fastening means 174 may comprise terminally threaded pivot bolts which extend into these sockets.

The rollers 171 and 172 are supported at a proper level to engage the top panel 16 and to fold this panel into completely closed position. It is also indicated in Figure 15, as the carton A passes beneath the rollers 171 and 172, a folding hm 175 engages the upper surface of the lock 33 and starts to fold this lock downwardly to overlie the outer surface of the front wall 14 of the carton A.

With reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, it will be noted that the frame is provided with oppositely disposed side plates 176 which support a pair of parallel shafts 177 and 179. These shafts support aligned sprockets 180 and 181. The sprockets just described support an endless chain 182 which carries a series of vertically s reciprocal plunger members 183. These plunger members and the purpose thereof will be later described in detail. These members are operated, however, by a earn 1 84 supported beneath the level of the frame table and which are supported in fixed relation to the frame.

A vertical bearing 185 is supported by the frame plate 176 and supports a vertical shaft 186. Bevel gears 187 and 189 on the shaft 186 and 179 respectively cause rotation of the shaft '186 in unison with the shaft 179. Parallel vertical shafts 190, 191, and 192 are supported by suitable bearings 193, 194 and 195. The bearing 193 is adjustably supported for movement longitudinally of the machine. The shafts described all support sprockets. A sprocket 196 is supported by the shaft 186 and sprockets 197, 199 and 200 are supported by the shafts 1'90, 191 and 192 respectively. These sprockets support a conveyor chain '201 which supports spaced folding members 202 for movement in unison with the chain.

With reference new to Figures 20 through 2'3 of the drawings, the manner in which the lock 33 is engaged will be described. The plunger units 183 include bearin'g's 203 having laterally extending mounting lugs 204 which are connected by brackets 205 to the chain 182. During the upper and lower flights of the conveyor chain 182, these bearings 203 are supported in a vertical position. A plunger 206 is slideably supported in each of the bearings 203. Each plunger 206 is provided with a bifurcated lower end 207 which is of enlarged diameter. A cam roller 209 is supported by a transverse pivot 210 in the groove 211 at the lower end of each plunger. This c'amroller 209 of each plunger unit is designed to ride over the cam 184 which is in fixed relation to the machine 'frame. A spring 212 is interposed between the end of the bearing 2'03 and the enlarged diameter plunger end 207 of each unit to urge the roller 20!! against the earn as the conveyor chain 182 travels along its upper Eight. The upper end of each plunger 206 is provided with a smaller diameter extension 213 having a rounded lug 214 at its upper extremity. This lug 214 can probably be best seen in Figure 23 of the drawings.

The conveyor 'chain 182 is in proper timed relation with the conveyor chain 75 so that as each carton A travels to a position opposite the conveyor chain 182, the rounded lugs 214 are centered with respect to the cartons. During this movement, the cam rollers 209 are in engagement with the cam 18'4, projecting the rounded lugsupwardly in the path of folding movement of the lock 33.

Also, at this stage of the operation, the spaced folding members 202 on the conveyor chain 201 straddle the rounded lugs 214 and the pointed ends 215 of the folding members 202 engage the upper and outer surface of the lock 33 as the rounded lug's' 214 engage the inner surface thereof. It will be noted that the sprocket 199 is closer to the path of travel than the sprockets 1 97' or 200 so that the folding member's 2'02'are 'moved gradually inwardly until they actually insert the ends 11 and 42 of the lock '33 through the opening provided in the carton front wall 14 by the inward folding of 'the flap 53.

Figure 20 of the drawings shows the arrangementyof the parts as the folding members 202 engage the ends of the flap 33 and start to bend this flap along the center fold line 43. Figure 21 shows a subsequent position in which the folding members 202 have straddled the lugs 214 to a greater extent and have bent the ends ofthe lock an amount sufiicient to cause them to start to enter the opening in the carton front Wall 14. At this stage of the operation, the height of the -cam 1 84 is decreased to permit the plunger extension 213 and the lugs 214 to retract. This takes place after the ends 41 and 42 of the lock start their entry into the carton but before the folding members 202 have completed their travel toward the carton. Accordingly, further travel of the conveyor chain '201 moves the folding members 10. 202 "inwardly to force the ends of the lock 33 through the opening in the carton front wall.

During the time the carton A is being closed, it "is confined between the guide bars 104 on one side, and a guide shoe 216 on the other side. This guide, shoe 2T6 has been omitted in various of the views in order'to "more clearly illustrate the remainder of the structure. After the top panel 16 has been folded into horizontal position, the carton is held upon the track by the guide rod "164 and by a parallel guide rod 217.

With reference now to Figure 2 of the drawings it will be noted that the shaft 186 is provided with a sprocket 219 which is spaced above the chain sprocket 196. A second verticalshaft "220 projects upwardly from the machine frame near the path of movement of the cartons A and also supports a chain sprocket 221. A short conveyor chain 222 is supported by the sprockets 219 "and 221 and this chain 222 supports a ,pair of cams 223'. As the sprocket 2'19 rotates with the shaft 186, it'isin tinted relation to the previously described conveyor 201.

With reference now to Figure 24 of the drawings, it will be noted that a bracket 224 is supported by the cover plate 225 overlying the conveyor 201 and this bracket 224 supports a bell crank lever 226. A'pivot 227 extends through the bracket '22-4 and through an intermediate part of the bell crank lever 226. In normal position, one arm 229 of bell crank lever 226 extends horizontally and supports at its outer extremity a cam roller 230. The other arm 231 of the bell crank lever 226 supports a ,press'er plate 232 which is engageable against the lock 33 after it has been tucked into the "front wall of the carton to insure the flattening of the lock against 'the'frofnt wall and to eliminate the possibility of having this lock catch u on some other object and 'be pulled open. It will be seen from Figure '24 that as the cams 223 are carried by the conveyor chain 222 over the 'cam roller 230, these cams will engage the cam roller and swing the bell crank lever 226 in 'a "counter clockwise direction a distance sufiicient to urge the presser plate 232 against the forward wall of the carton A. As the chain 222 is in synchronized relation to the remaining conveyors described, this presser plate acts against the lock to insure its proper closure.

The manner in which the machine B is driven may of course be varied. In the articular arrangement :illusdated, a platform 2'33 sus ended beneath the top of the machine frame by hangers such as 234, one end of the platformbeing pivotally' supported on a horizontal pivot 235 to the leg '58 on each side of the 'frame. A motor 236 is supported upon the platform 233' and acts through a coupling 237 to drive a reduction .gearunit 239 which is provided with a driven shaft 240. A pulley 2'41 is mounted on one end of the shaft 240 "and acts through a belt or chain 242 to drive a 'cooperable pulley mounted upon the shaft '72. Rotation of the shaft '72 causes the movement of the main conveyor chain '75 which acts to move't'h'e cartons through a major portion or the'len'gth of the machine.

The driven shaft 2 20 is also provided with a second sprocket 243 which is connected by a chain 244 to a cooperable'sprocket 2'45 on the transverse shaft 179'. Thus, movement or the chain 244 acts to move the conveyor chain 1'82 in properly timed relation with the conveyor chain 75. This movement is also transmitted through the bevel fgears 187 and 189 to drive the vertical shaft 186. Rotation of the shaft 186 act's to move both the conveyor chain "201 and the conveyor chain 202 in properly timed relation.

During the travel of the chain 75, it also drives a spro'cket249 mounted upon the transverse shaft A gear250'is mounted upon this shaft 12'5 which is in mesh with an idle gear 251 on a parallel shaft 252 The gear 251 is also in mesh with a gear 253 on the shaft '63. The belt-conveyor 67 rotates over the pulley soonun shaft 63 and accordingly; the slip belt 'coiiveyor"67 is 1 1 moved in a desired speed ratio relative to the conveyor chain 75.

Rotation of the shaft 125 also acts to drive the parallel shaft 113 of the current member 116 through the series of bevel gears and the vertical shaft 120 as was previously described.

Rotation of the gear 250 also acts to rotate an idle gear 254 on a parallel transverse shaft 255 and this gear 254 is also in mesh with a gear 256 on the transverse shaft 136. Rotation of the shaft 136 acts to operate the flap folding blade 130 and also acts through the longitudinal shaft 150 to operate the tuck flap folding mechanism best shown in Figure 11 of the drawings.

A cam 257 is mounted upon the shaft 71 supporting one end of the conveyor chain 75 and this cam operates at timed intervals to close a normally open switch 259. The limit switch 70 is mounted at the end of the slip belt 67 as was previously described. An additional pair of normally open switches 260 and 261 are mounted on the machine frame along the path of movement of cartons upon the slip belt 67. These normally open switches are closed when cartons are in opposed relation thereto on the slip belt. It is normally advisable to have at least three cartons on the slip belt while the machine is in operation as the weight of the cartons on the slip belt tends to insure the proper registry of the foremost carton with the transfer apparatus which moves the cartons from the slip belt 67 to the conveyor chain 75.

With reference now to Figure 28 of the drawings, it will be noted that the three phase line from the power source includes the line wires 262, 263 and 264. When in operation, these line wires are connected through switch blades 265, 266, and 267 to the line wires 269, 270, and 271 extending to the motor 236. The starting switch which includes the switch blades 265, 266 and 267 also includes a fourth switch blade 272.

terminal of the starting coil 283 is connected by a conductor 284 to one terminal of a starting switch blade 285 which forms a part of the starting switch 281. The starting switch 281 includes two blades 285 and 286 which operate individually and also include a single pull switch 287 which may be independently operated between two terminals. One terminal of each of the switch blades 285, 286 and 287 are connected by a conductor 289.

The line wire 279 extends through the pressure actuated switch 70 at the end of the slip belt 67 to one terminal of the stop switch 286. This line wire 279 also is connected by aconductor 290 through the cam operated switch 259 and the normally open switches 260, 261 and 258 which are in series. The conductor 290 then extends to one end of the coil 291 of a relay 292.

A rectifier 293 is connected to the line wires 279 and 280 by the conductors 294 and 295 respectively. The output terminals of the rectifier 293 are connected by conductors 296 and 297 to relay switches 299 and 300 forming a part of the relay 292. The other terminals of the switches 299 and 300 are connected by conductors 301 and 302 to the solenoid 102. Accordingly, when the relay 292 is actuated, the solenoid 102 will be energized to transfer a carton from the slip belt 67 to the chain conveyor 75.

The second terminal of the relay coil 291 is connected by a conductor 303 to the line wire 280. A conductor 304 leads from the conductor 284 to one terminal of the switch blade 272. The other terminal of this switch blade is connected by a conductor 305 to a terminal 306 of the control switch 281. This completes the circuit.

I In operation the rectifier 293 remains energized at all times when the main switch is closed providing a potential source of direct current to the relay contacts 299 and 300. Cartons A are placed upon the slip belt 67 in sufficient number to close the normally open switches 260, 261 and 258 and also to close the pressure actuated slip belt switch 70. If the control switch 281 is in the position illustrated and if it is desired to jog the machine, the switch blade 287 remains in position to open the circuit from the switch conductor 289 to the holding circuit conductor 305. The start switch 282 is then closed and a circuit is closed from the line wire 279, through the closed pressure actuated switch 70, through the normally closed stop switch 286, through the closed switch 285 and the conductor 284 to one terminal of the starting coil 283. The other terminal of this starting coil 283 is connected through the overload switch 282 and the conductor 280 to the other side of the transformer coil 277 thus completing the circuit.

The completion of the circuit energizes the starting coil 283 and moves all of the switch blades 265, 266, 267 and 272 into closed position. The motor 236 is then in operation and all of the various conveyors are set into motion.

As long as the start switch 285 is held closed, the machine continues to function but as soon as pressure on the starting switch is released, the circuit to the starting swich coil 283 is broken and the motor will stop.

At a predetermined point in the cycle of operation, the cam 257 closes the normally opened switch 259 thus closing a circuit to the relay coil 291. This circuit extends from the line wire 279 through conductor 290, the cam operated switch 259 and the normally open switches 258, 260 and 261 which are being held closed by the cartons on the slip belt. The circuit leads through the relay coil 291 and the conductor 303 to the other line wire 280. When the relay 292 is actuated, the solenoid 102 is energized acting to transfer the foremost carton on the slip belt into position over the conveyor chain where it is subsequently picked up by the lugs 81 and moved through the remainder of the machine.

The cam operated switch 259 is only momentarily closed and as soon as the circuit is opened, the relay coil 291 is again deenergized opening the circuit from the rectifier 293 to the solenoid 102. The spring 103 then returns the pusher plate 87 to its normal retracted position and the cartons A on the slip belt 67 move forwardly until the foremost carton again closes the pressure actuated switch 70. This return operation of the pusher plate 87 normally causes the cartons A to advancc to close the pressure operated switch 70 prior to the time the cam actuated switch 259 is again actuated. Thus, as long as the infeed line remains properly filled, the machine will function at regular intervals.

When it is desired to run the machine continuously, the switch plate 287 is moved into contact with the switch terminal 306 actuating a hold circuit for the coil 283 of the starting switch. This circuit extends from the line wire 279 through the pressure actuated switch 70, the stop switch 286, conductor 289, the start switch 285, the conductor 284, conductor 304, switch blade 272, conductor 305, switch 287 which is also connected to conductor 289. In other words, the starting coil 283 may either be closed through the starting switch 285 or the switch 287 so that once the starting switch 285 is momentarily closed to actuate the coil 283, the circuit to this coil continues through the switch 272.

Thus it will be seen that once the main switch of the apparatus is in place to close the circuit and there is a proper supply of cartons on the slip belt, the apparatus will function automatically to transfer each successive carton from the slip belt to the chain conveyor. While on this chain conveyor the carton moves through the successive steps of prebreaking the lock in the carton front wall, folding the tuck flap relative to the cover panel, folding the cover panel into closed position while 13 tucking the tuck flap inside the carton, this operation taking place after the flaps on the end walls have been folded down, folding the T shaped lock downwardly and inserting the ends of this lock into the carton, and pressing the outer surface of the lock to straighten it and insure its insertion. The filled and closed carton is then taken from the machine and is in readiness for packing.

In accordance with the patent statutes, the principles of construction and operation of the apparatus for closing cartons has been set forth, and while an endeavor has been made to set forth the best embodiment thereof, it is desired to be understood that obvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for closing a carton having a hinged cover provided with a locking tab, and a front wall including a locking slot, the apparatus including a carton conveyor, means engageable with said cover for folding the cover downwardly, a projectable and retraction member movable with said carton inwardly of said locking tab, means engageable with said tab as it moves on said conveyor for folding said tab over said projection, means movable with said conveyor engaging said tab on opposite sides of said projection for bending the side edges of the tab toward said carton front wall and into said locking slot and means for retracting said projectable means when the side edges of said tab extend through said slot.

2. An apparatus for closing a carton having a box-like body having a front wall provided with a locking slot, a cover hinged to the panel opposite said front wall, a tuck flap hinged to .said cover, and a generally T-shaped locking tab hinged at its base end to said cover and cut from said tuck flap, the apparatus including a carton conveyor, means engageable with the carton cover during movement of the conveyor to fold the cover into carton closing position, means guiding the tuck flap inwardly of the carton front wall while leaving the locking flap in the plane of the carton cover, a projectable and retractable member movable with said carton beneath said tab, means engageable with the tab for folding the tab over said projectable member, means engageable with the tab on opposite sides of said projectable member to force the ends of the cross member of the tab toward said front wall and into said locking slot, and means retracting said projectable member.

3. The structure of claim 2 and in which said means engageable with the tab on opposite sides of the projectable member travels in unison with said conveyor and moves toward said front wall gradually as the cartons are conveyed.

4. The structure of claim 2 and in which the means engageable with the carton cover comprises folding horn means.

5. The structure of claim 2 and in which the means for folding the tab over the projectable member comprises a folding horn.

6. An apparatus for closing a carton having a box-like body having a front wall provided with a locking slot, a cover hinged to the panel opposite said front wall, a tuck flap hinged to said cover, and a generally T-shaped locking tab hinged at its base end to said cover and cut from said tuck flap, the apparatus including a carton conveyor, a guide member inwardly of said cover adjacent to the fold line connecting said cover to said tuck flap, means folding said tuck flap into angular relation while engaging said guide member, means folding said cover downwardly and means guiding said tuck flap inwardly of said front wall, said locking tab remaining in the plane of said cover, means folding said locking tab downwardly, alnd means inserting said locking tab into said locking s 0t.

7. The structure of claim 6 and in which the means folding the tuck flap comprises means engaging the tuck flap simultaneously during movement of the carton on opposite sides of said locking tab.

8. The structure of claim 6 and in which the means folding the tuck flap comprises a pair of spaced curved folding horns rotatably supported on an axis parallel to the direction of travel of the conveyors, and means rotating said horns in timed relation to said conveyor.

9. The structure of claim 6 in which the carton includes flaps hinged to the upper edges of the walls adjoining said front wall, and including means engageable with said last named flaps folding the same downwardly and inwardly before the closing of said cover.

10. The structure of claim 6 and in which the carton includes flaps hinged to the upper edges of the walls adjoining said front wall, and including folding horn means engaging the flap at the leading edge of the carton, and a rotatable blade engaging the flap at the trailing edge of the carton to fold these flaps into horizontal position prior to the folding of the cover into closed position.

11. A carton closing apparatus for closing cartons having a bottom panel, front and rear wall panels, and Wall panels, a cover panel hinged to said rear wall panel, a tuck flap hinged to said cover panel along the forward edge thereof, a generally T-shaped locking tab hinged at its base to said cover panel and cut from said tuck flap, a lock slot in said front wall panel, and flaps hinged to the upper edges of the end walls, the apparatus including a slip belt, a parallel conveyor including spaced carton engaging members thereon, means engageable with the foremost carton on said slip belt for transferring said foremost carton to said parallel conveyor between said carton engaging means, means operable during movement of said cartons on said parallel conveyor for sequentially folding down said flaps on said end walls, means folding said tuck flap relative to said cover panel while leaving said locking tab in the plane of the cover panel, folding the cover into closed position while inserting said tuck flap inwardly of said front wall, means folding said locking tab downwardly, and means bending said T-shaped locking tab intermediate itsends and inserting the ends of said tab into said locking slots.

12. The structure of claim 11 and including a motor connected to said conveyors to operate the same, and motor controlling means including a motor starting circuit including switch means actuated by the presence of cartons on said slip belt adjoining said transfer mechamsm.

13. The structure of claim 11 and in which the transfer mechanism includes a solenoid actuated pressure plate.

14. The structure of claim 11 and in which the transfer mechanism includes a pressure plate having an end shoulder engageable with the second carton on the slip belt while the first carton is being transferred.

No references cited. 

